15 Best Things to Do in Sherbrooke (Quebec, Canada)

Sitting at the confluence of the Saint-François and Magog rivers is the lovely city of Sherbrooke. The city has a long history, with known residents dating back some 8,000 years. But it wasn’t until the 20th century that it really made its mark.

Being the economic, cultural and institutional centre of the region, Sherbrooke was nicknamed the ‘Queen of the Eastern Townships’. And a queen it is, what with its urban core and numerous green spaces, which are surrounded by mountains, lakes and rivers.

Sherbrooke is a city of heritage sights, cultural sights and natural attractions, making it a great place for a holiday. If you ever find yourself spending time in the city, be sure not to miss the 15 best things to do in Sherbrooke:

1. Get your adrenaline pumping

Whether you are visiting in winter, spring, summer or fall, Mont Bellevue Park is sure to have something to do to get your adrenaline pumping. The 200 hectare park is the largest in the city, with its highest point reaching 333 metres above sea level.

The park has around 30 kilometres of trails where you can go hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. You can also go tubing in the water in the summer, or down a hill in the winter.

If you are a skier or snowboarder, head to Mont Bellevue Park in the winter. If you enjoy hiking and spotting wildlife, go in the spring or fall to see the beautiful flowers and plethora of wildlife.

2. Gaze at art

In 1982, local art lovers founded the Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts. Today, it has a prominent permanent collection that showcases the work of artists throughout Quebec’s Eastern Townships.

Visit the gallery and gaze at art that is displayed throughout its three levels. The first two levels feature travelling exhibitions, while the third level is dedicated solely to artists from the region.

The gallery is housed in a historic 19th century building in downtown Sherbrooke. The former bank was converted into an art gallery that has over 4,600 works in its collection.

3. Learn about the city’s natural diversity

This can be done indoors year-round at the Sherbrooke Nature and Science Museum. The museum has over 65,000 objects and specimens to showcase the diverse flora and fauna of the province.

Plant and animal fossils, minerals, scientific instruments and animal specimens are all displayed within the museum. There are also archaeological artefacts to be seen.

In addition it its permanent collection, the Sherbrooke Nature and Science Museum also has special exhibitions. After wondering around the museum, be sure to head to its boutique for some unique souvenirs.

4. Look at castles

Or castle-like residences that are located in the city’s Rock Forest neighbourhood. The former farming village is today home to some of the city’s most elite residents.

Take a stroll along some of the streets in the area and bee in awe of the magnificent houses. There is also a large recreational centre that features tennis courts, racquetball courts, volleyball courts and a restaurant.

Rock Forest is mainly an Anglophone neighbourhood in a predominantly francophone city. Residents are friendly and welcoming to tourists walking around.

6. Have tea

Enjoy tea in true English tradition at the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre. Afternoon tea is served every weekend throughout the year, as well as on weekdays in the summer.

Tea, scones, Devonshire style cream and homemade strawberry jam are always served, with cucumber sandwiches and pastries also being served in the summer. Go for the full high tea and also enjoy snacking on quiche and savoury bites.

Depending on the season, tea can be enjoyed in the gardens, on the terrace or inside the stately house. The house itself is also worth looking around, as it features display rooms that are decorated to match the period of the house.

11. Sip on wine

Sip on wine at La Halte des Pèlerins, an award-winning vineyard in the northeast corner of the city. You should also go on a tour of the lovely vineyards.

La Halte des Pèlerins offers three different tours; Péché Mignon, Péché Gourmand and Péché Mortel. All include learning about the history of the wine and the different winemaking stages, as well as a tasting.

If you would like food with your wine, go on the Péché Gourmand or the Péché Mortel tour. You can also purchase a few bottles in its shop.

12. Visit a mill

The Windsor Powder Mill is not in Sherbrooke itself, but just north of it in the town of Windsor. Visit the powder producing mill to learn all about the history and making of gun powder.

Take a tour and learn how to make the powder yourself with your guide acting as the foreman. Afterwards, head to the old factory to enjoy a multisensory show that demonstrates what life was like for workers of the mill.

Visit in the summer and go on a lovely walk of the grounds, which boasts 25 kilometres of hiking trails. On the way, see the remains of 56 historic buildings.

14. Walk around a lake

Lac-des-Nations promenade is the perfect place to do this, especially on a sunny day. Walk around the lake and enjoy the scenery.

If you would prefer not to walk, hire a bike or in-line skates. Walk, cycle or skate around the lake, stopping at rest points to enjoy the surroundings.

The Lac-des-Nations promenade is a 3.5 kilometre loop that is open year-round. In the summer, continue along Marché de la Gare and enjoy the local cheeses, meats, sausages, gelato and more at the outdoor farmers’ market.